Animal Welfare Legislation Set to Improve Many Lives

Folks may frequently read Mike’s popular blog, Animals and Politics, where he writes passionately about the latest developments in both pending legislation and bills which have been passed that affect the welfare and lives of animals. Mike’s blog is an awesome resource to keep our fingers on the pulse of Capitol Hill’s political involvement in the area of animal welfare.

According to Markarian’s email, during the past few weeks several major debates on animal protection issues have been held on the Hill. Its good news to learn that the Humane Society is working "overtime" in order to get several key pieces of legislation advanced, and ultimately passed.

An amendment to the Farm Bill by Sen. David Vitter, R-La was passed overwhelmingly, making attending a dogfight or cockfight a federal crime. Bringing a child to an animal fight would become a felony. Of course, the next step is for the amendment to be passed in the House, putting this amendment into law.

Another important amendment was submitted by Rep. Jim Moran, D-VA, and passed by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. The amendment would effectively prohibit our tax dollars from being spent for U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors to oversee new horse slaughter plants, resulting in the prevention of horse slaughter plants in the U.S. from re-opening. This is an extremely crucial amendment that the Humane Society Legal Fund will be fighting in order to keep it in the passage of the final spending bill. The Humane Society is strongly opposed to horse slaughter and will continue pushing to have The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act finally passed. 

In their work to prevent and put an end to all forms of cruelty to animals, the Humane Society Legislative Fund works hard to protect all animal species. At this time the organization is also working hard to get the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012 passed. If passed, this bill will improve the living conditions for an untold number of laying hens. The amendment calls for the ratcheting down of the barren battery cages in which the majority of these egg-laying hens now exist. 

Lauded by animal welfare groups, agriculture and egg producer groups, consumer groups, veterinary groups and many others, this bill has also been praised by newspaper editorial boards across the country.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund cannot advocate for animals alone. Donations are needed to help HSLF continue advancing Federal Legislation and “get political for animals”. Folks wishing to donate may do so by visiting the Humane Society Legislative Fund’s secure site.

Tell us what you think about HSLF’s work in protecting animals in a comment.